10 Surprising Secrets About Meditation

Humans around that world have been practicing meditation in one form or another for untold thousands of years.

If you are fairly new to this ancient practice, you might find that you feel incompetent, or that the whole practice just seems strange. Don’t worry. In time, this mysterious and seemingly difficult practice will actually become second nature to you.

If you have been practicing this for a while, you might still find some new and previously unknown aspects about it.

How does meditation work and how should it be done?

We are going to tell you 10 surprising secrets about meditation that even some old-timers might not be aware of.

Keep reading and learn more about this ancient, super beneficial practice.

1. There is No Single Way to Do It

Regardless of what you might have been told, there really is no one “perfect” way to meditate, only the method that works best for you. In fact, the ancient Hindu text, the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra states that there are at least 112 different ways to meditate! Some methods have you focus on a mantra: others have you focus on your breathing. There is Transcendental Meditation, Zen, mantra meditation, and on and on and on! Feel free to experiment with different practices, then do the one that feels right to you.

2. Your Mind Will Quiet Down On Its Own

Most people spend a great deal of effort trying to quiet their mind but once you start meditating, you will find your mind will quiet down all by itself. Whether you decide to focus on your breathing or chanting or what have you, you will find that your mind quiets down and you start to simply “be”. For most people, when you try to control you mind, it only seems to slip away from you even more so. Rather than force your mind to do something, why not simply focus on one thing and watch how your mind will obey your command. Be more present and the mind will follow.

3. It Doesn’t Have to Be Lengthy

Some people make it sound as if you don’t spend at least 30 minutes meditating, you aren’t doing it right or you aren’t going to benefit from it. This is simply not true. Even if all you have is 5 minutes to be present and watch the sunset, what is wrong with that? Incorporate meditation into your life anytime and anyplace you like.

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4. Anyone Can Practice Meditation

Although most people think that meditation is only for adults, the truth is that there are no real age restrictions. If your 5-year-old wants to try it, let them go for it! There is no age limit, no gender restriction, and no physical limits either! Unlike marathons, anyone can meditate! Even if you think that meditation is only for those who are “spiritual” and you are not, you can still meditate. This practice is more about controlling thoughts and being present, not about religion. Jews, Christians, Muslims and atheists can all benefit from meditation.